Harry Kane Wins Ballon d'Or 2026, Mbappé Takes the Blow Without Rising

Harry Kane was crowned Ballon d’Or 2026 at the 70th ceremony held in London on Monday evening, ahead of Kylian Mbappé, who finished second after a particularly aggressive media campaign in favor of his own candidacy.

When Cristiano Ronaldo opened the envelope and announced the name of the English striker, Mbappé remained glued to his seat. Unlike Rodri, Michael Olise, or Ousmane Dembélé, the captain of the French national team did not stand to greet the winner, sparking fierce criticism on social media. According to several sources present at the event, he nevertheless congratulated Kane backstage.

Journalist Dave Apadoo, who was covering the event, described the scene with precision: “I had the impression that it was the one for whom the blow was the most violent.” He added that Mbappé seemed to have “played something of an all-or-nothing bet this year,” in reference to the particularly intense communication deployed by the Real Madrid striker in the weeks preceding the ceremony.

“When the verdict was announced, Ronaldo opened the envelope, I had the impression that something was crashing down on Kylian Mbappé,” the journalist continued. A reading that is nuanced by the youth of Lamine Yamal, also considered for the trophy at 19 years old, but which Apadoo places in a more concerning context for Mbappé: “People were already telling Mbappé when he was 19-20 years old that he had time. Ultimately, he will reach 28 years old without yet having a Ballon d’Or.”

This second place nevertheless confirms a solid season for the French international, but it closes a window that many, both in his entourage and in the media, considered particularly favorable.